Pence to visit Atlanta, campaign for Kemp Thursday

Vice President Mike Pence plans to visit on Atlanta on Thursday, where he will visit a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility and headline a fundraiser for the Georgia Republican Party and GOP gubernatorial hopeful Brian Kemp.

Air Force Two is scheduled to arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport at 1:40 p.m., according to a White House official, where Pence will be greeted by Kemp, state House Speaker David Ralston and Attorney General Chris Carr.

Pence is then scheduled to visit Delta’s TechOps maintenance facility near the airport, which is home to a massive new engine repair shop. He’ll also huddle with company leadership and speak to company employees.

Later in the day he’ll head to the Georgia GOP’s “Victory Dinner” in Buckhead, which will also feature Gov. Nathan Deal, Ralston and U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue.

Brian Kemp is running for Governor. The AJC had three questions for him.

The timing of Pence’s trip comes as another storm, Hurricane Michael, barrels toward the Florida Panhandle. Deal on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in 92 counties, all in central and southern Georgia. His visit also comes on the eve of Atlanta Pride, which could draw protests from people opposed to his stance on “religious liberty” legislation.